GMB slams Amazon over 'hellish' conditions at UK warehouses

Amazon UK warehouses have been hit by more than 600 serious injuries or near misses in the past three years, according to the GMB union.

Its research – some of which was broadcast on the BBC’s Panorama programme last night - are the result of Freedom of Information Act requests submitted to local authorities across the UK. Between 2016/17 and 2018/19 a total of 622 reports have been made from Amazon warehouses to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

“Amazon is spending millions on PR campaigns trying to persuade people its warehouses are great places to work. But the facts are there for all to see -things are getting worse,” commented Mick Rix, GMB National Officer.

“Hundreds of stricken Amazon workers are needing urgent medical attention. Conditions are hellish. We’ve tried over and over again to get Amazon to talk to use to try and improve safety for workers. But enough is enough – it’s now time for a full parliamentary inquiry.”

"Amazon is a safe place to work. Yet again, our critics seem determined to paint a false picture of what it's like to work for us. They repeat the same sensationalised allegations time and time again,” A spokesperson for Amazon said.

"Our doors are open to the public, to politicians, and indeed to anyone who truly wants to see the modern, innovate and, most importantly, safe environment we provide to our people."